How to Improve Hair Growth
Contrary to popular belief, there are things you can do to slow hair loss and hair thinning, and to give your scalp what it needs to promote hair growth. This post is broken into two sections, one for men and one for women. However, it may be beneficial for people of both genders to read the entire post, as the information may be applicable.
Hair Growth Tips for Men
Hygiene
The idea that washing hair causes it to fall out is a myth. On the contrary, washing your hair is a healthy and beneficial thing to do. Between washings, DHT accumulates on your scalp, and it remains active until you wash it off. It is also important to wash your hair after working out, as the accumulation of sweat is not good for your hair.
Massage
Hair requires access to blood vessels in order to grow. It follows, therefore, that healthy circulation is a must for hair growth. When you shampoo your hair, gently massage your scalp to stimulate circulation. You can also massage your head between shampoos. As a bonus, scalp massage also helps to relieve stress.
Hydration
You probably already know that drinking enough water is important for your overall health, but it is essential for healthy hair growth, too. Each hair shaft is made up of 25% water, and water also helps your hair get the nutrients it needs. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
Brushing and Combing
We all need to brush or comb our hair, but sometimes we are rougher than we need to be. This is especially true when hair is wet, because it is more susceptible to breakage then than it is when it is dry. Use a wide-tooth comb to neaten it while it is wet, and avoid brushing, which tends to be harsher than combing.
Headwear
A lot of men like to wear caps or hats, but there are a couple of important things you should keep in mind. First, never put on a hat or cap over hair that is dirty or sweaty. Doing so can trap bacteria, which can cause or contribute to dandruff, irritation, or itching.
Second, if you do wear a hat, it is important to wash it frequently. Some men wear the same cap every day, and the accumulation of sweat and bacteria is not good for your hair. For the best results, wash caps and hats frequently.
Hair Growth Tips for Women
Hygiene
Wash hair frequently. Just as it can in men, DHT can build up on the scalp and inhibit hair growth. Make sure to use gentle shampoos and conditioners that are free of alcohol, parabens, and sulfates.
Combing and Brushing
Women tend to be very hard on their hair. When your hair is wet, detangle it using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. When brushing hair, do so gently. Avoid yanking the brush through tangles and knots, as that can pull hair out at the roots.
Sleeping
Cotton pillowcases might be comfortable, but they can also wreak havoc with your hair. Women with long hair may find that sleeping on a cotton pillowcase leads to the formation of knots and tangles. Instead of cotton, try sleeping on a satin pillowcase. The smooth satin keeps hair from tangling during the night. (Note: men with long hair should follow this advice, too.)
Massage
Just as men do, women can benefit from scalp massage, whether it is in the shower or somewhere else. Circulation is very important to hair growth and can help ensure that your hair follicles are getting the blood and nutrients they need.
Hydration
Always drink plenty of water. As mentioned earlier, hair shafts are 25% water. Water also helps your body get the nutrients it needs, and it helps to flush toxins out of your system.
Both men and women should do a few other things to help promote healthy hair growth, including:
- Quit smoking. The chemicals in cigarette smoke are harmful and may slow hair growth.
- Avoid fatty processed foods and eat a well-balanced diet. Your body needs a wide variety of nutrients to be healthy.
- Minimize stress. While there is no evidence to suggest that emotional stress can cause you to lose your hair, emotional stress can certainly lead to physical stress if it continues for long periods of time. Doing what you can to minimize stress will help keep your hair healthy, too.
As you can see, most of the suggestions are very practical and easy to follow. Some are aimed at reducing physical stress on the hair, while others will help your hair get the nutrients it needs. Following this advice can help your hair grow more quickly.